Monday, August 9, 2010

The shorter Westminster Catechism states that the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Jesus said that the greatest command and aspiration in the world was for a man to love God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. That is glory to God and that is joy.

Joy in Him and glory unto Him are found by working to provide for ourselves and our families. (1 Thess. 4:11-12). Joy in Him and glory unto Him are found in eating, drinking, sleeping, marrying, making babies, raising children, loving grandchildren, and all other lawful things when they are done for His glory (1 Cor. 10:3). Joy in Him and glory unto Him are found even when we enjoy the things of life, in moderation, and when they are enjoyed for His glory. (Ps. 123:25-26).

All men die, but not all men truly live. Faith in Christ is not the end, but the beginning of life. Life is not what you do, life is why you do it and who you do it for. All men work, provide, eat, drink, marry, procreate, and die, and they do it for a million different reasons. Those who know Christ, and whose chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever live. They really live, because they know why they live; for the glory and enjoyment of God.

Don't just live. Live!

* adapted from The Shorter Catechism Explained From Scripture, by Thomas Vincent